SC asks Centre to review Internet shutdown in Kashmir

There has been an Internet shutdown in Kashmir ever since Article 370 was nullified last August.  The Supreme Court today has given an important order to offer a breather to Kashmiris by asking the Centre to review the blackout.  

Here are the three highlights of the order, as summarized by All India Radio:

Access to Internet is a Fundamental Right.  Suspension of Internet should be reviewed forthwith.

Review all restrictions within a week.

Produce all orders by which Section 144 is invoked.

Opining on the verdict, columnist Minhaz Merchant writes, “SC’s #KashmirLockdownVerdict is a measured one. Gives the government a week to review all restrictions, make them public and allow them to be challenged in court. No immediate lifting of curbs as petitioners demanded but sharper accountability required from the Centre.”  Aarti Tikoo Singh writes, “Government had no reason to keep Internet suspended after the onset of winter in Jammu & Kashmir. Good the Supreme Court of India reprimanded BJP sarkar.  Beyond a point, suspension of the internet can’t be attributed to security threats. It shows only your incompetence.”